THE SAFARI OVERVIEW
Four-day Rwanda safari tour begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, with an exploration of the city’s traditions, local markets, and historical sites such as the Genocide Memorial site, followed by a transfer to the well-known Volcanoes national park for Gorilla trekking and a visit to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera formed by a volcanic eruption.
The highlights of this 4 days safari tour
- A city tour to explore the traditions of the local people
- A visit to Genocide memorial site
- Gorilla trekking experience
- Visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera
Detailed 4days safari with gorilla trekking
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Pick up
When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, one of our drivers will meet you, brief you on the safari tour arrangements, and transport you to a pre-arranged Kigali hotel for refreshments, dinner, and a night’s rest.
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: City tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, enjoy a city drive and explore local markets, art galleries, and artisan centers to discover more about Rwanda’s history, which extends centuries ago and Kigali has remained an aspect of that history for nearly 100 years. Kigali, established in 1907 primarily as German town, was not made Rwanda’s capital till 1962 after it succeeded the former colonial base of power in Butare.
After a relaxing lunch at the hotel, you will visit the Genocide Memorial, which is a place of remembering the nearly 250,000 victims buried in mass graves here, as well as an important reminder of the unimaginable brutality of the 1994 genocide. The exhibit is both an emotional and educational experience, as you will learn about Rwanda’s worst period in recent history.
Later in the evening, you will be driven for around two and a half hours to Ruhengeri, reaching in the early evening in Volcanoes National Park, where you will check into the lodge for dinner and a night’s stay. Ruhengeri is the point of departure for Volcanoes gorilla trekking. This community is only about 25 kilometers from the Ugandan border and roughly three hours from Kigali. It is a tiny town of around 70,000 people. The constant overflow of humanity is astounding. The nearby volcanoes can be seen from the town. People here are quite friendly.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 3: Gorilla trekking
When you wake up in the morning, have breakfast and then proceed to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi, where you will be instructed and divided into groups of eight. Tracking gorilla groups takes 2-6 hours on average, with an hour of direct contact with the gorillas once located. The hike up to gorillas’ preferred habitat of bamboo forest includes steep muddy slopes, dense vegetation, slick underfoot conditions after rain, and high altitude. A general level of fitness is beneficial. This once-in-a-lifetime event is regarded as one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters in the world. Return to your accommodation for a great lunch and some well-deserved rest.
Visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera in the late afternoon. These lakes were created as a result of volcanic eruptions, where the biggest river in Rwanda (Nyabarongo River) used to flow northward to Ndorw, due to the volcanic eruption that took place in the volcanic area in Northern Rwanda, specifically due to the eruption of Muhabura volcano (which is currently regarded a dormant volcano), in which lava flows from volcanoes blocked the Nyabarongo river’s channel, hence formation of these lakes. You will be driven back to your lodge for dinner and night rest
Meal plan: All meals are included.
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali airport and departure
After a leisurely breakfast, your driver will transport you to Kigali International Airport, depending on the time of your flight, bringing this Safari tour to a close.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch